The Power of Consumer Choice: Could US Sports Fans Organize a Strike for Lower Ticket Prices?
Mark my word. The sports industry wouldn't exactly cheer at the idea of organized fans demanding lower prices for tickets and food. With their significant revenue coming from high-priced tickets, the last thing they want is to see fans losing interest due to affordability issues. But it is the fans who have the power to affect change through their choices.
A Manifesto for Change: Addressing More Than Just Ticket Prices
Let's imagine a fan manifesto, not just for lower ticket prices and food costs, but also for absurd parking fees, the NFL's requirement to purchase preseason tickets, and the need for federal legislation to address threats of relocation. While the big revenue comes from TV contracts, the possibility of empty stadiums would indeed spell trouble for sports leagues.
The Organizing Challenge
The organizing effort wouldn't be easy, given that successful teams can still fill stadiums. Additionally, season ticket holders might quickly step in to take the place of any protesting fans. Local protests have occurred, but they haven't had a widespread impact yet.
A Perfect Time for Boycott: Navigating PR Challenges
The NFL is currently facing significant public relations issues. Whether it's chronic concussions, the backlash against a prominent player's kneel-down, or frequent allegations of domestic abuse, the league could use the help of a fan boycott to improve its image. However, a boycott could face the precedent set by fans of poorly-run franchises who have yet to take decisive action.
Consumer Choice is the Market Mechanism
Do they really need to organize a union? Not exactly. The concept of supply and demand is a powerful force. If fans are not willing to pay the current prices, the market will see a decrease in prices to attract more customers. In a market economy, higher prices will not necessarily win. Instead, alternative sports or parallel leagues could emerge to serve those unwilling to pay higher fees. This is a fundamental principle of a market economy, and it operates in the United States and many other places.